HIGH street home furnishings and women's clothing retailer Laura Ashley is to become the latest chain store to move into Ilkley town centre.

The big name company has confirmed it will be opening a 3,500 square foot store in converted units at Station Plaza in September. It will join international high street restaurant chain Pizza Express, which aims to open a 130-seat restaurant at the plaza in October.

Laura Ashley has more than 150 outlets in the UK, as well as stores in the Far East, South America, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

It is hoped the arrival of the two businesses will transform the look of the building, attached to the station, which had a number of dated shop units standing empty for several years.

Councillors and residents recently called for something to be done to improve the look of the plaza, which is the first sight which greets many visitors to the town arriving by train.

Property developer Tiger No 2 General Partner Limited gained planning permission several months ago to convert the unoccupied small units into two larger units, which it said would be easier to let.

Work on the units and on revamping the seating and landscaping at the front of Station Plaza, on Station Road, began earlier this year.

Pizza Express announced earlier this year that it was planning to open a restaurant. Now Laura Ashley has revealed it will be moving into the other unoccupied unit at Station Plaza.

Both businesses are on course to open their doors this autumn.

A spokesman for Laura Ashley said: "We plan to have it open on September 15, and it will be selling a mixture of fashion and home furnishings."

Pizza Express has more than 280 restaurants in the UK as well restaurants in countries around the world including Europe, China and the Middle East.

A spokesman for Pizza Express confirmed that there will be seating for 100 in the restaurant and for 30 in an al fresco dining area. The restaurant is expected to create around 20 new jobs.

Other local traders have welcomed the addition of the high street firms, which they feel adds to the attractions of shopping in Ilkley town centre, and could help other businesses.

Another well-known homewares and clothing store, Viyella, recently opened a shop on The Grove, and coffee bar chain, Costa Coffee is moving onto Brook Street.

David Giddings, of Opulent Designs, on The Grove, said: "I think it's fantastic. It's nice to know it makes Ilkley a sound destination for people to come to."

Station Plaza is already home a number of businesses, banks, Ilkley Post Office and Kwik Save supermarket.